Summerabbacat

Wow! That is profound @Paladin. I also believe Bayview is going to play a significant role in the reunification of Tony and Aaron, once the "wall of Berlin" has collapsed. I am intrigued by the fact the house appears to be vacant. Was it purchased and renovated by someone who passed away before taking up residence, or by a couple who have since become embroiled in an ugly and messy divorce, or by someone who defaulted on the mortgage and the bank foreclosed? The latter seems unlikely otherwise it would be listed for sale, although given its secluded location and likely value, a bank may not want to invite undesirable attention by having a for sale sign at the front of the property. It appears to have piqued Tony's interest sufficiently though for him to make enquiries, or perhaps he will ask Harry to make some discreet enquiries on his behalf. I agree with all my fellow readers who commented on the ingenuity of Scott and Matt's plan to at least get Tony and Aaron talking again. The initial signs are good with Tony noting the corners of Aaron's mouth turning up into a smile, the playful banter between the two, and Tony's final admission. A delightful chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Financial wealth alludes you, but I imagine you are wealthy in other ways (howzat for one of those really annoying platitudes idiots make to try and console you?).

He is a "straight" man "trapped" in a gay man's body and enjoying every moment of it @VBlew. Jordan's e-mail to Calvin left little doubt in my mind that he would like to be more than friends with Calvin. How this will unfold, only @KKirk knows. An intriguing chapter @KKirk, particularly Calvin's observation that his father and Alan were trying to out charm each other.

Throughout the reading of this chapter I kept hearing Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles playing on loop in my head. I don't know if you remember it @northie. It was a # 1 hit in the UK at the end of 1979 and even bigger here in Australia, a #1 hit for 7 weeks at the end of the 1979 beginning of 1980. The derogatory letters sent to Eric and similar comments made online when Andy and Adam announced their engagement were to be expected. Some people, motived by whatever moral compass they are guided by, believe it is their right to know and police what other people do in the privacy of their own home. Emily Standish has already shown what a good neighbour she is going to be for Eric. Her concern was for his welfare not his sexuality, when she thought the hooligans may have harmed him.

And if you had called him "Donkey" @Paladin the smutty remarks would almost certainly have resulted. Clearly he is not betting on "donkeys" either.

You are quick off the starting block. When you rated my comment I realised I had missed inserting the very vital word not into it. I have since corrected this.

I just hope their "network" has not extended itself as far south as Thompsonville. Best you get Patrick and Nicola to investigate this @Paladin, particularly given what we know about some of the Thompson family.

"Farmer Jack", an expert of "The Jack" meets up with Walter again and not only jacks, but docks, Walter. Father Andrzej has done a good deed with his seed, he has opened Walter's eyes to the beauty of and possibility that M/M sex is anything but sinful.

Eric is back and his put down of Briony Walker was the highlight of the chapter. She babbled on and on and on, such that Eric could not get a word in edgeways, although he would not likely have said much anyway. In fact, his put down is about the longest contribution to a conversation I can ever remember him giving. It was interesting that Eric has already observed the garden of the house the Standish's have purchased as "bushes and plants left to run riot". Now that sounds like an ideal project for Andy Harper, with Eric Whitehouse perhaps consulting. It was also interesting that Eric is even more aware of his prejudice against those with money or whom he perceives have money. The pre-Andy Eric was aware of this, but seemingly did not nought to address it. He is now doing so, having immediately forced himself to be more pleasant and engaging with Emily Standish. The boys are back in town.

Too much burrata with caramelised fennel perhaps? Or maybe a tart made with a mixture of the petals from some of her husband's specialty geraniums, organic plums and organic unpasteurised goat's milk. I forgot to mention I displayed my ignorance @Gary L as I had never heard of burrata before. I don't believe I have ever seen it in either the supermarket (although it is apparently available) or any delicatessen. Cheese is the only non-vegan food I eat; not sure if I could eat this with the clotted cream. I looked at a few recipes containing it though, with this one very appealing to my taste buds: Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, dollops of pesto, swish of olive oil and crusty bread Once again @Gary L, Robert has demonstrated that a visit to the Hugillverse will not only entertain you, but more often than not will educate you too. We both learnt something in this chapter.

I was being somewhat facetious @Bft.

I wouldn't bother telling Keith @VBlew as he has made it clear he despises his father and wants nothing to do with him. Alex is a different story of course because he will have Jonah as his father's partner and Jonah as his boxing trainer. I very rarely drink coffee (once in a blue moon) and know next to nothing about it (except I like it black with no sugar), therefore I found the "wine like" descriptions of coffee ridiculously pretentious and very amusing. A very encouraging chapter @ChromedOutCortex, with the relationship between James and Jonah moving in a positive direction.

No apology necessary @Paladin as it was very easy to refresh my memory as to who he was. No suggestion, yet? I am very intrigued now, I shall have to put my "speculation cap" on.

The search for Daniel has commenced; I do hope it proves successful and soon. If so, Daniel may be able to add further to the evidence Joshua has already provided about their Uncle. It was not surprising to learn the underage porn video production he is involved in is bigger than Joshua was aware of. If Horse is involved in money laundering in the racing industry it would not surprise me if he is involved in doping horses too. If this is the case @Paladin I expect him to be gelded before the conclusion of this story. I am also still wondering if Joshua's parents died in a car accident as Daniel and Joshua were informed. With Adam already deceased and their older sister overseas, the death of Joshua's parents appears awfully convenient to their Uncle. Two underage boys, Daniel and Joshua, would have been very tempting for Uncle's police connections to arrange for the death of Joshua's parents. I could not remember who Frank was @Paladin. Luckily he appeared in the final chapter of Part 1 so I did not have to search far. The fact there is now a NSW connection with Byron Bay, and possibly some information Frank has become privy to, means this could be a joint NSW/QLD sting I assume. Riveting stuff @Paladin

The perfect companion to its predecessor, this second instalment in the lives of Eric, Andy, Adam and any number of supporting characters, continues Eric's journey from friendless retired curmudgeon to a life he never dared dream of. The growth of Eric's character is matched by the growth of Andy's character too, each enriching the other's life in ways they could not have predicted when they first met. Another 5 star experience from the pen of @northie.

Organised religion = organised oppression and aggression in many instances. Eric Whitehouse, champion for the underdog or target for hooligans? I do hope its more the former than the latter.

"Eric was clearing away the mugs. “You'd want me there?” He grimaced. “I'm hardly going to be an adornment to your special day.” Andy gave him a gentle, side-on hug. “Adam and I dearly wish you to be there. You are so much more than any client; our lives wouldn't be complete without your presence.” In many ways Andy has come just as far as Eric since their first fateful meeting. Could he possibly have said anything more meaningful and uplifting to Eric? I think not. If Oliver is invited to the wedding and attends I shudder to think what he might say of or to Eric. I will be very surprised if he is not a rabid conservative in all aspects and will look down on Eric because of his status in life. Hopefully his presence at the wedding will not be possible, for one reason or another. The end is nigh for this book @northie, but I have the "consolation" of being able to move straight onto its successor. Life is sweet sometimes.

What to make of Marie-Louise. She is loud, brash and 16; quite possibly driven by her hormones as much as anything else. I doubt she will get any sexual healing from 9 year old Lionel or 13 year old George. Perhaps whilst driving around she should be looking for an 'Adult Shop' to break and enter. I am reserving my judgment on her for the moment (totally unlike me @Lee Wilson), but first impressions are she is not to be trusted.

I doubt Eric's feeling of self-worth will ever be sufficient to accept and believe he is worthy of gifts from Andy and Adam, after all he still struggles at times to believe he deserves their friendship and care. The fact he accepts the gifts, friendship and care with barely a grumble now, is in of itself remarkable. I believe both Andy and Adam recognise this and accept Eric struggles to express himself and his gratitude in an effusive manner. It will be interesting to read of Eric's observations of his local Pride celebration. He may find the state of dress, or more likely the state of undress of some of his fellow participants something difficult to reconcile with his beliefs and inexperience. This story continues to entertain and move me greatly @northie.

I would find it frustrating dealing with Felicity or anyone like her who enables their abuser. I have never had to do so and perhaps I would react differently if in such a situation. Adam's reaction surprised me, I thought he would go in guns blazing to rescue his mother from his belligerent bullying father. I just hope there does not come a time when she is hospitalised, although it may have to reach that point before she is prepared to address the situation.

Another huge change in Eric's attitude for sure. The enjoyment he will derive from planting his flowers and sketching the gift of gratitude for Andy and Adam well worth it, something which Eric now acknowledges, even if still a little begrudgingly.

A day trip to Leominster (not the same "ring" to it as Fiddlers Dram's A Day Trip To Bangor) proved to be somewhat of a challenge to Eric, but this newer, slightly more confident Eric, was equal to the task. Small steps like this can do wonders for someone with Eric's self-esteem issues. Andy's impending talk with Adam is likely to ignite Adam's passion for justice and equality like nothing he has ever experienced before.

Until Felicity acknowledges without reservation she is not to blame for Oliver's emotional abuse and violent physical attacks on her, I cannot see her voluntarily leaving him. Now Andy has noticed what appears to be physical abuse I am almost certain Adam will take swift and decisive action, and if need be force his mother to leave his father for her own good. Oliver's behaviour will not change whilst ever he is an alcoholic; frankly I think only his death will change him. I like the idea of a drawing or painting completed by Eric as a gift for Andy and Adam as a thank you for their hospitality and care. This would have a doubly pleasing effect too as they would be aware their Christmas gift to Eric was being put to good use.

“If I'd never met you, Andy, I would still be stuck in my rut. Living the same day over and over again: no purpose, no friends, no being the true me. Thank you.” Eric looked first at Claire, and then for a longer time at Andy. “You rescued me. I am truly grateful.” A simple heartfelt response, the most powerful message Eric could deliver on video, with some expansion on the changes Andy and Adam instigated on his behalf. Another delightful chapter @northie.

Felicity needs to release her "inner Lorena Bobbitt". Perhaps she can borrow some pruning shears from Andy. Oliver Partington is a brute and a bigot. The best thing which could occur for all parties, he gets pissed, falls down the stairs and breaks his neck. Problem solved, although cleaning the carpet may be time consuming. Eric's excitement was palpable. Viewing the garden and "talking shop" with Andy revitalised him like nothing to date. Perhaps going forward if Andy's business continues to grow he could offer Eric part-time employment in some capacity or other.

I don't sense that from Adam at all @northie. If that was your intention you have disguised it well. Adam may not be as warm and open with his affection as Andy, but perhaps he does not feel comfortable doing so given he does not have a formalised relationship with Eric. Adam is far more politically savvy than Andy too, and given his profession he may exude a more superficial approach, but I still believe he is very fond of Eric. I am a broken record. This story continues to delight.